WorldBeat Cultural Center will be celebrating its 43nd Annual Celebration with 4 of the 7 days of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is an African American Holiday celebrated from the 26th of December to the 1st of January. The annual Kwanzaa holiday was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate and reaffirm family, community, and culture.
Kwanzaa was a celebration that was established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African cultural and historical heritage by uniting in meditation and study of African traditions and Nguzu Saba, the “seven principles of African Heritage” which Karenga said “is a communitarian African philosophy”.
Day 1: Tuesday, December 26th: Umoja, Unity
Featuring guest speaker professor Starla Lewis on “Unity and Self-Love”. Live performance by harpist Mariea Antoinette. African Drum and Dance by Djelia Kadi Ensemble.
Day 2: Wednesday, December 27th: Kujichagulia- Self-Determination
Musical theater performance of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” led by Diva Works Dance
Day 3: Thursday, December 28th: Ujima, Collective Work & Responsibility
Dedicated to health with keynote speaker Dr. Derah aka Dalene Brown, certified health practitioner, iridologist, and herbalist. Additional guest Darin Diggs of Imani Gardens speaking on access to fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers. Music performance by Ibrahima Ba
Day 4: Friday, December 29th: Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics
Keynote presentations by author Phil Brown on financial literacy and grant writing for community based organizations by Cheryl Branch. Music performance by Ibrahima Ba. Capoeira presentation by OS Malandros de Mestre de Touro
Each night will also feature ceremonial candle lighting and libation, drumming, poetry readings by Johnnierenee Nia Nelson and Karamu (the traditional feast and family get down).
MC Enoch Hankerson
